The Environmental Science and Geometry in Natural Environments (EnGINE) Project
Elevating and Nurturing Students' Mathematical and STEM Identities through Integrated
steM Experiences
Dr. Queshonda Kudaisi and student working on STEM Activity
Mission
The mission of the ENGINE Project is to inspire middle school students to embrace
STEM by fostering a strong mathematical identity and sparking interest in STEM careers.
Through hands-on, real-world experiences, particularly in summer STEM camps, the project
highlights the connection between mathematics and other STEM fields, demonstrating
their role in solving global challenges. The ENGINE Project empowers students to build
confidence, reshape their perception of math, and realize its transformative potential
for positive community change.
Programs
The ENGINE Project offers two dynamic programs: an afterschool program and a summer
camp, both designed to provide students with valuable, hands-on experiences in STEM.
The afterschool program creates a supportive environment for students to explore STEM
concepts in an interactive way, while the summer camp offers an immersive, full-day
experience that dives deeper into the real-world applications of math, science, engineering,
and technology. Both programs encourage students to connect with experts, collaborate
with peers, and engage in exciting projects that highlight the societal impact of
STEM.
At Camp LIT, students explore the science of electric light, energy efficiency, and
its environmental impact through hands-on activities, including coding and robotics
to address light pollution. They create light circuits, investigate energy usage,
and apply STEM concepts to develop innovative solutions for real-world challenges.
The STEAM Green Team is an after-school program that uses STEAM (Science, Technology,
Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) to explore innovative green strategies and solutions
to environmental issues. Students engage in hands-on projects, applying their knowledge
of math, technology, engineering, and art to develop sustainable solutions for real-world
environmental challenges.
News
The ENGINE Project Secures Funding
Dr. Kudaisi Receives $10,000 VPRI SEED Grant for CAMP LIT Research
Dr. Queshonda Kudaisi receives a $10,000 VPRI SEED Grant to fund research on CAMP
LIT, the STEM camp component of the ENGINE Project. This grant will support the exploration
and development of innovative STEM learning experiences for middle school students
through hands-on activities and real-world problem-solving.